"A unique
and huge base level with a rusty red, grey
and black flavour using Q2 textures."
Alk05 is set as a huge factory called Sanguine
that resembles more of a base than anything.
It does feature some nice design and architecture
but that's just the tip of the iceberg.
What makes Alk05 great is its gameplay.
Just the right amount of action is used
with some fierce battles yet time to enjoy
the level itself. The addition of the Snakeman,
which has almost became a [Kona] trademark,
is featured here but is set in some great
spots for surprise attacks adding a nice
element of surprise. Your other targets
consist of Fiends, Shamblers, Ogres, Vores,
Scrags, and a few Enforcers. Personally,
I would have liked to have seen more Enforcers
and Grunts. Like I said, the map has a definite
base feel to it and those Quake1 characters
would have fit in nicely.
What helps add to the gameplay is the excellent
balance between health, ammo, and enemies.
The option of storming a room or dispersing
your targets carefully is completely up
to you. There should be plenty of health
and ammo to restock you before the next
major battle. I still recommend using tact
because this is a [Kona] map which means
large amounts of enemies at one time.
There are plenty of large rooms that provide
good battles, but the way [Kona] connects
them is what really gives the level its
nice design. There are usually different
paths to choose from to enter a room, the
ground floor or the upper floor. The upper
floors are mostly just walkways that provide
some great sniping points for your enemies,
or for you if you conquer them. The gain
of the walkways are especially helpful when
battling the vores and shamblers.
Architecture is very solid. Like I mentioned
before, it really gives off a base feel
instead of a factory. Some machinery could
have gave the factory idea a much needed
boost and would have also added to the story
line.
Overall, I feel that if [Kona] would have
stuck to a more base style this map would
have been a lot better. With the walkways
and large rooms, Grunts and Enforcers would
have provided for some great action. Still,
the map has some nice touches and fantastic
gameplay that any Quake fan would enjoy.
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